How to explain expanded form in expanded form to your student
29 October 2026
Understanding expanded form helps your child see how each digit in a number has its own value. This makes big numbers easier to break down and work with. Here is a clear example to show your child exactly how expanded form works in practice.
Example question
Write 345 in expanded form.
Step 1: Look at each digit and its place value.
The 3 is in the hundreds place. That means 3 hundreds, which is 300.
The 4 is in the tens place. That means 4 tens, which is 40.
The 5 is in the ones place. That means 5 ones, which is 5.
Step 2: Write the number as the sum of these values.
300 + 40 + 5
Key insight: Expanded form shows the value of each digit in a number.
Answer: 345 = 300 + 40 + 5
| Digit | Place Value | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Hundreds | 300 |
| 4 | Tens | 40 |
| 5 | Ones | 5 |
Now your child can spot the value of each digit and write numbers in expanded form with confidence. If your child is preparing for the 11+, similar questions will help reinforce this important skill.
